SSS Class Infinite Regression: Ascension of the Mad Dragon Prince-Chapter 171: The War’s Aftermath [2] — The Malevolent Flies

This massive influx of undead soldiers allowed Louis and Zorba to interrogate them thoroughly. They uncovered a great deal about the rebels' actions before the uprising began—and much more. Louis learned the traitors' perspectives and what had been brewing within the Vultarn High Dominion. Three days after the Order of Thanatos was officially established, he shared everything in a closed meeting with those who needed to know.

"I see," his father muttered with contempt, seated on his throne. For the first time, he wore the full white-and-gold king's military uniform, complete with contact lenses, crown, and a cleanly shaved, well-groomed face. He looked every bit the regal monarch. Many of the maids and female knights quietly admired his striking appearance.

"So their entire plan wasn't just to destroy our country," he continued. "They intended to use us as resources."

"This is beyond horrible," Catrise sighed. "How could anyone even conceive of such plans? The Order of the Fly wanted to turn everyone in this kingdom into fuel for some kind of Fantasy Field—where new Grievances and Anomalies would be born? And… Queen Benladra was to be the core of it all."

"The plan remains within their consideration," Louis said. "It seems they view every nation except their own as potential sources of power. They want to weaponize everything. Honestly… I cannot call them despicable without being hypocritical. If it could guarantee my kingdom's safety, I would do the same."

"Prince Louis? H-How could you say that…!" Juliette murmured. She was Mirai's new maid after Anastasia began training in swordsmanship under Louis and Tisha, and druidic magic under Pekorine. As a VPI agent, she also served as Mirai's bodyguard.

"Camelot, Mesopotamia, and Yamato are our allied nations, Louis," his father sighed, shaking his head. "Don't say such things aloud in front of their representatives. I believe their plan was called… the Frostbane Fantasy Field?"

"Yes," Louis confirmed. "It's disgusting, but now that we've recalled all our forces from around the world, they won't dare attempt it again. Frostbane now hosts over a hundred powerful agents—including Uncle Eduard, who rivals a Level 5 Grievance—and we even have useful criminals like that Shackled Saint bastard."

"I would prefer if you didn't refer to me as a mere Level 5 Grievance…" Eduard sighed. "Stella and Althea are literally stronger than I am. They simply cannot unleash their full power without risking catastrophic damage to their surroundings. The last thing they want is to accidentally create a Fantasy Field from the sheer Fantasium within them."

"There are several other agents like this," Louis's father continued, "but even so, they are never enough. The Dimensional Labyrinth continues to expand at a terrifying pace every year…" He gazed at a holographic map of the world. Over a hundred areas glowed in different colors—Corrupted Fields, Fantasy Fields, some already mutating into Pseudo Fantasy Realms that served as direct bridges to the Dimensional Labyrinth. "We've done our best to clear as many as possible. That's why our forces were spread so thin. In exchange for resources, other nations constantly employ our agents. Yet more keep appearing at an accelerating rate. We need more Agents, Spiralwalkers, Sinners—capable of efficiently destroying these zones. Therefore…"

"The Sinners Academy is about to open, right?" Louis asked. "Next year—just a couple of months away…"

"Indeed," Gustaf said with a proud smile. "It is our greatest project to date—four nations working together to build it. There we will teach Sinners how to harness their abilities, how to confront Entities and Grievances, and there will be extensive field training to ensure real growth. While it's called the Sinners Academy because Sinners will form the primary student body, Espers and members of other races may also attend."

"And we're participating, Your Majesty?" little Melissa interrupted, eyes wide with excitement as she imagined the academy.

"Indeed, you are," the king nodded.

"Aw… sounds great…" Selene said, articulating her words more clearly now. "I want… make friends."

Unlike the Selene Louis remembered from past regressions, this version was far more open and friendly. Perhaps the aggressive way he had once captured her had made her wary of everyone in that timeline.

"Can I really attend myself?" Anastasia asked hesitantly. "I… I've barely started training."

"What? In just this past week you're already nearing the peak of the First Step of Sword Breathing, Anastasia!" Tisha exclaimed. "You're more than qualified, right?"

"And you're learning Druidic Magic very quickly too," Pekorine added. "I believe you are fully qualified to become a student at the academy."

Of course, with both her mothers vouching for her, Anastasia would be attending whether she wanted to or not. Louis planned to bring her, Melissa, and Selene along to eliminate the Gardener's remnants—allowing them to train more effectively and prepare for what lay ahead.

"Regarding the Order of the Fly," Helena asked while sipping tea, "how many members have we identified so far? I've been wondering about this for a while."

"We've confirmed only three so far," Gustaf replied, "but Louis seems to know about the rest and some of their abilities. We've compiled everything he could gather here." He waved his hand, and a holographic window appeared displaying all known information about the Order of the Fly—one of the three Orders within the Vultarn High Dominion's Inner Circle.

Every member bore the title of either "Malevolent Fly" or "Small Maggot"—crude names that many found bizarre… until they learned who had founded the Order.

In total, there were nine Malevolent Flies, ranked from 1 to 9. Rank did not strictly denote raw strength. It reflected accumulated fame, prestige, kills, and influence. Those who joined earliest or held personal favor with the founder naturally ranked higher—such as the First.

Helena read the list with narrowed eyes.

The First Malevolent Fly: Lord Pyrrhaxis, the Dawn Incinerator, Herald of Conquest, Tyrant of Flames.

The Second Malevolent Fly: Executor Virellion, the Eightfold Guillotine, Supreme Executor.

The Third Malevolent Fly: Lord Virethorn, the Root of Judgment, Executor of Heretics.

The Fourth Malevolent Fly: Lady Vermiss, the Gilded Infestation, Mistress of Infiltration and Contagion.

The Fifth Malevolent Fly: Sir Scorvane, the Red Mandate, Enforcer of Purity.

The Sixth Malevolent Fly: Marshal Thornegrave, the Withering Verdict, Arbiter of Spiralwalker Containment and Law.

The Seventh Malevolent Fly: Lady Nyssara, the Peacock of Ruin, Mistress of Cultural Subversion and Glamour.

The Eighth Malevolent Fly: General Veydrith, the Web Architect, Strategist of Dimensional Subjugation.

The Ninth Malevolent Fly: Archmechan Orsynth, the Bloom of Chains, Liturgist of Mechanized Ascension.

"Very strange titles," she remarked. "Since when was this Order formed?"